WASHINGTON – Bend the Arc: Jewish Action released the following statement on Tuesday in response to Derek Chauvin being found guilty for the murder of George Floyd:
“Regardless of today’s verdict, there can be no justice for George Floyd or the countless other Black and brown people murdered by police,” said Stosh Cotler, CEO of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. “Derek Chauvin will still have his life, while the families of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, and so many others continue to mourn. There can be no justice as long as this racist system of police violence continues to exist.”
“We call for our Jewish community, especially white Jews, to rise up for Black lives and dismantle the centuries-old structures of white supremacy that take the lives of too many. We rise in solidarity with Black and brown people – including Jews of color – resisting in the Twin Cities, in Brooklyn Center, in our Jewish communities, and across the country.”
“At the same time, Republican-led state legislatures across the country are moving forward legislation that would criminalize Black and brown-led protest, from the recently-passed HB 1 in Florida to bills introduced in Minnesota just this month. We condemn these anti-democratic measures and call on leaders and elected officials to protect the rights of protesters.”